Social Media and Its Influence by Ginikachi

Social Media and Its Influence by Ginikachi - March 2022 Scholarship Essay

Social media has played a prominent role in my education and learning techniques. Social media is a reliable means of communication that allows students to keep up with their studies outside of the classroom. There are few to no barriers to educational access learning entries, aside from the lack of internet access and unreliable devices. The use and implications of social media have provided students with unlimited resources and assets to utilize and apply to their academic advantage.
I have adapted to using my resources to my advantage and relying on outside factors to gain information. I have extended my intellectual life beyond school requirements by using technology to indulge in training experiences and online courses. In the Russell Westbrook Varo Money Power Workshop Program, I virtually learned fundamental knowledge on conveniently using money, assimilating ideas and concepts of healthy financial habits for my career path, sustainable investing, and debt management. Through constant rumination on why wealth accumulation has been super uneven over time, I now comprehend the importance of growing affluence in my life, consequently breaking century-old cycles of oppression and poverty in my community.
Additionally, I am a part of a research group with Essential Access Health, where I observe HIV and STI prevention services. I visit clinics via telehealth, where I book appointments for HIV and STI testing, answer/refuse questions, and provide the feedback necessary to assist clinics in improving their services. I learned information regarding counseling and condoms while gaining insight on sexual health, which is interpreted infinitely, representing individual needs and wants.
These experiences have allowed me to continuously step out of my comfort zone and take authority over my technological measures and advances. Gratefully, social media has given me the chance to involve myself in various learning opportunities. I have expanded my knowledge in multiple fields while gaining connections and furthering my growth.
Nevertheless, social media is accompanied by its few disadvantages. The surplus of information exchanged can affect education and learning when it comes to powerful platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Facebook. The pace of change and overuse of these platforms with their mechanical approaches and exploitations has psychological effects on the consumers. These problems include walls of interactional expansion and a massive spread of misinformation leading to behavioral changes and a lack of perception in personal experiences.
These platforms can not only be misleading but also distracting. The spread of concepts and opinions can capture and scatter attention. The constant refresh of news interferes with one’s ability to indulge and focus on particular topics and ideas. This inability to attach to concepts can decrease attention spans and link poor retention skills. The constant dopamine release and instant gratification from likes, comments, and conversations affect personal reactions and emotions, causing frailed behaviors and personalities.
Nonetheless, social media is an excellent asset in contemporary society and contributes to enhanced education and learning opportunities. However, it can be deemed inefficient when exploited, thus substantially affecting comprehension and learning skills. I am fond of the advantage of face-to-face communication and the interpersonal skills gained from physical interactions. Although, social media is a great way to stay engaged and contribute to fields that may not be accessible if not for technology. When used decisively, social media is a great way to pick up on new skills, connect with multiple organizations, and sustain educational growth.